Neighbours in Corfu Street, Birkenhead have been displaying the type of community spirit we would love to see replicated throughout Merseyside – because it would make the region a better and happier place to live in.

But the misguided, negative, downbeat, depressing and extremely disappointing response from their local authority is truly soul-destroying and represents a real kick in the teeth.

It also sends out the worst possible general message, when the powers-that-be should be doing all they can to foster community spirit and neighbourliness.

Time and time again, we hear that people are becoming increasingly content to keep themselves to themselves and that, as a result, there is a distinct lack of togetherness in our neighbourhoods – with many people not even knowing the names of the people who live on either side of them.

Here, though, is an uplifting example of a street’s residents joining forces for the common good.

They have painted what had previously been a dull brick wall at the end of their street and made it look a real picture, courtesy of a fantastic floral decoration of pot plants.

Come on Wirral Council! It’s time for common sense. It’s time to make a U-turn. It’s time to prove you’re not potty.